This is a blog post describing the different meanings of the Eight of Swords tarot card in the Minor Arcana of the standard Rider-Waite deck. Read on to discover the different meanings of the Eight of Swords upright and reversed for money, love, and other situations in your life.
Eight of Swords Tarot Card Keywords
Upright: Self-limiting beliefs, feeling trapped, hands tied, fear, terror, anxiety, mental health issues, feeling hopeless, dilemma, imprisonment, punishment, judgment, trial by jury, negative attitudes, challenging situation, anxiety disorders
Reversed: Escape, release, finding solutions, taking control, standing up for yourself, survivor, facing your fears, empowerment, healing, mental fortitude, mental clarity, overcoming obstacles, prison release, surrender, true happiness, clearer perspective, freedom from anxiety
Eight of Swords as Feelings
The Eight of Swords upright represents feeling trapped, backed into a corner, and like you have no personal power.
You feel like you’re in a state of crisis and like you can’t get out. You need someone to save you.
Reversed, this card means you feel a sense of relief.
You’re a survivor and know you have the strength to face whatever comes your way. You know that by facing your fears, you can gain freedom and control over your life and situation.
Eight of Swords as How Someone Sees You
The Eight of Swords usually means someone sees you as a victim – but often like you’re full of drama, and there’s always something wrong.
People may feel you’re using the situation to manipulate them and/or seek attention.
Reversed, this card means someone sees you as a survivor with an inner strength that is not easily broken.
They are impressed by your courage and conviction to take control of your life, despite difficult circumstances.
Eight of Swords as What Someone Wants From You
In an upright position, the Eight of Swords means someone sees you as vulnerable and weak, and they generally don’t want to develop a relationship or partnership with you for now.
Reversed, this card means someone wants you to be brave and empowered, to show them that you can stand up for yourself in the face of adversity.
They want you to prove your worth in whatever it is they are asking of you.
Upright Eight of Swords Tarot Card Meanings
Generally speaking, the upright Eight of Swords means you feel trapped, stuck, and hopeless.
The thing is, though, that this is all due to your perception – it’s unlikely that you are as stuck as you seem to believe.
You may feel weighed down by guilt, shame, and fear which keeps you from moving forward.
All of these feelings are preventing you from seeing the solutions available to you.
The good news is that once you can look beyond your current view, then possibilities will open up for you.
Your outlook on life will become more optimistic, and you will be able to make the necessary changes to move forward.
In some cases, the Eight of Swords upright can represent being judged by others.
This can be in the form of gossip, slander, or even a trial by jury.
It’s important to remember that although others may judge you, your thoughts and beliefs about yourself matter most.
Make sure you focus on how you feel about yourself and not what others think.
Upright Eight of Swords Card For Love
If you’re in a committed relationship and the Eight of Swords shows up in your reading, the relationship is stuck and needs some work.
You may feel in a negative situation with no way out.
However, this doesn’t mean that the relationship has to end – it just means that you need to take a step back and see if there is anything else you can do to fix the issues.
Be careful that you are not being overly dramatic or playing the victim when things aren’t as bad as they seem.
If you’re single, the Eight of Swords upright means you may have a fear of being vulnerable and getting hurt.
It could be that your past has caused you to feel this way, but it’s important to remember that not everyone is the same.
You may need to re-evaluate your expectations and learn to let go of the fear of being hurt if you want to find a healthy relationship.
Remember that most people have experienced pain in love at some point.
If you adopt a perspective that you “always” get hurt in relationships, it could cause you to avoid getting close to someone.
Accept that it’s normal to have negative feelings, but try to move past them if you want to find love.
Upright Eight of Swords For Money & Career
If your main concern is your career path when the Eight of Swords shows up, then this card suggests that you are feeling stuck in your job or business.
You may be overwhelmed by the pressure of a difficult situation and don’t know where to seek help.
It could also mean that you feel trapped in your current job and can’t seem to find another one.
If this is the case, you likely need to do some soul-searching and figure out what career is best for you.
Try not to get too bogged down in the details and take a step back to evaluate the big picture.
If your current job isn’t fulfilling, then look into other options that could help you reach your goals.
When it comes to money, the Eight of Swords can indicate that you are struggling financially and feel overwhelmed by your current situation.
It may seem that there’s no way out, but if you look closely, you will likely find that there is.
Start by making small changes like budgeting and cutting back on unnecessary expenses, and then gradually take more action to get your finances under control.
You may find it helpful to speak with a financial advisor or someone who has been through similar problems.
The Eight of Swords can also indicate that you are in a situation with serious consequences, such as debt or bankruptcy.
It’s important to seek professional advice to help you handle the situation and find solutions.
No matter what you are facing, remember that there is always hope, and there are options available to you.
Reversed Eight of Swords Tarot Card Meanings
The reversed Eight of Swords symbolizes freedom, hope, and a newfound sense of control.
You have the power to make positive changes in your life and break free from whatever has been holding you back.
You may find that you can see alternatives or opportunities that you may have missed before.
You can make your own decisions and be confident in your choices.
It’s time to stand up for yourself and not let anyone dictate what is best for you.
Furthermore, you can find solutions to problems and face conflicts head-on without feeling overwhelmed.
You have the strength and courage to overcome any obstacles that come your way.
This card shows up when you have survived or overcome a difficult situation or period.
The reversed Eight of Swords is a sign that you should be proud of yourself for getting through it and that you have the strength to move forward.
Reversed Eight of Swords Card For Relationships
If you are in a committed relationship and the Eight of Swords shows in a reversed position, it is a sign that you have found the freedom to be yourself and express your true feelings.
You have overcome obstacles or fears holding you back from being in a healthy relationship.
It’s time to let go of the fear of getting hurt and open up to your partner.
Also, remember not to compare your relationship to others, as each is unique.
You can trust your partner and build a strong connection with them.
The reversed Eight of Swords in a Tarot reading can also indicate that it’s time to break away from unhealthy relationships or situations and find the courage to move forward.
It’s important to recognize when something is wrong and take action to make positive changes.
You have the strength to stand up for yourself and put an end to any toxic or negative cycles that you may be in.
If you’re single and the Eight of Swords shows reversed, you are ready to take a risk and find someone new.
Let go of any fears or anxieties, and open yourself up to the possibility of finding love.
You can create a fulfilling relationship that brings out the best in both partners.
Reversed Eight of Swords For Money & Career
The Eight of Swords reversed in a career reading means that you are no longer feeling stuck in your job.
You have the courage and determination to pursue a new career path that will bring you success and fulfillment.
You may also find yourself taking risks or going out of your comfort zone, which can lead to amazing opportunities.
When it comes to money, the reversed Eight of Swords suggests that you are on the path to financial freedom.
You have found the courage to take control of your finances and make the necessary changes.
You can create a budget, improve your credit score, and invest in yourself and your future.
It’s also important to remember that money isn’t everything, and having some balance is essential.
The reversed Eight of Swords can indicate that you have the power to create a positive and prosperous future for yourself.
Take ownership of your decisions and make sure that your choices are aligned with your values. Trust in yourself and be confident in the direction you’re taking.
Final Thoughts On The Eight of Swords Card
Congrats on taking the first step to work with the tarot and learning to read for yourself and those you love!
The Eight of Swords represents feeling trapped and powerless, but also the courage to break free from whatever has been holding you back.
When it appears reversed in a reading, it indicates that you have found the strength to overcome any obstacles or challenges that come your way.
You can trust yourself and take control of your life by making decisions that are best for you.
Now that you’ve already begun your journey, the next natural step is to make sure you grab your free numerology reading.
Few things are as powerful as numerology for helping you improve your tarot readings.
But I’m not going to tell you that the information you’ll uncover will make you a better tarot reader.
It’s better for you to get your reading and find that out for yourself.
That way, it’ll be a much more personal, special, and beautiful experience.